Powershot SD800 IS

Powershot SD800 IS

Canon Powershot SD800 IS Review

By
Movable Type Admin

Review posted 11/30/2006

Click to take a QTVR tour of the SD800

The 10.0 megapixel PowerShot SD900 and the 7.1 megapixel PowerShot SD800 IS Digital
ELPHs take the marriage of style and substance to a new level, by offering an array of user-friendly features
along with faster response time and a new face detection autofocus system that keeps subjects in focus no
matter where they appear in the frame.

The SD800 IS is the second and newest Optical Image Stabilized Digital ELPH model in the PowerShot line for
2006, and is now the top-of-the-line Digital ELPH IS entry. Canon based the optical image stabilization
system on advancements made in the development of the company's EF and video lenses, and then scaled it down
to fit the diminutive Digital ELPH camera profile. Unlike electronic or "digital image stabilization systems"
that typically degrade image quality, Canon's lens shift-type stabilization system preserves maximum optical
quality while providing up to three stops of shake correction in shutter speed equivalent.

This new IS model features a number of significant advancements, including improved low-light performance due
to the combination of optical IS and a top ISO speed of 1600, and for the first time in the Digital ELPH
series, an optical 3.8x wide range zoom lens (28-105mm equivalent), which employs Canon's UA lens technology
that permits a longer zoom capability in a smaller amount of space.

Thanks to the DIGIC III chip's more aggressive noise reduction, these Digital ELPH cameras are
able to shoot at ISO equivalent speed ratings from 80 to as high as 1600. This increased sensitivity at the
top-end allows the use of faster shutter speeds, significantly reducing camera shake and subject blur during
hand held low-light photography.

All of the new models offer a new widescreen 16:9 ratio resolution setting that
facilitates creating panoramic-style prints. Additionally, all new PowerShot models
support 23 languages (now including Thai and Arabic). The new cameras have an improved
direct printing function that permits greater flexibility in print settings, including a
face brightener setting for backlit photos.

Canon also enhanced the 'My Colors' mode found in the new PowerShot line. Where
previously, users could only enable 'My Colors' while shooting, the current iteration
permits captured images to be retouched as well, without the need for special software
applications or tools. Available My Color playback modes include Vivid Blue, Vivid Green,
and Vivid Red; lighter and darker skin tones, as well as options for creating black &
white, sepia, neutral and positive film effects.

For those who consider the ocean depths part of the Digital Elph camera line's "go anywhere" promise, Canon
offers individual optional waterproof housing systems. With a depth rating of 40m/130 feet, these models are
a natural choice for underwater photo enthusiasts, SCUBA divers and even snorkelers.

Like all PowerShot digital cameras, these new Digital ELPHs work seamlessly with Canon's
petite SELPHY Compact Photo Printers - an essential PowerShot accessory. Consumers simply
connect their PowerShot digital camera to a SELPHY printer - such as the
SELPHY CP510 and
CP710 models. Press the lighted Print/Share button, and within seconds , images emerge.
Presto! It is that simple. Canon's SELPHY Compact Photo Printers are PictBridge
compatible. They work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras and offer excellent image
quality and ease-of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera. At 28
cents-per-print, printing photos directly from a digital camera is both easy and affordable.

This digital camera supports Exif 2.2 (also called "Exif Print"). Exif Print is a standard for enhancing the communication between digital cameras and printers. By connecting to an Exif Print-compliant printer, the camera's image data at the time of shooting is used and optimized, yielding extremely high quality prints.

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.